SHOOTING TARGET THROWER

Abstract

A shooting target thrower for throwing a shooting target includes a throwing arm rotatable about a throwing axis to throw the shooting target. A throwing spring is operatively coupled to the throwing arm and rotates the throwing arm to throw the shooting target. An electric motor rotates the throwing arm to cock the throwing arm and throwing spring. The shooting target thrower includes a power connector that connects to a first power source or a second power source for powering the shooting target thrower. The first and second power sources are interchangeable with one another for powering the shooting target thrower.

Description

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to shooting target throwers for throwing shooting targets, and more particularly to electrically powered shooting target throwers.

BACKGROUND

Shooting target throwers throw shooting targets, often called clays or clay pigeons, to be shot by a firearm, such as a shotgun.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a shooting target thrower for throwing a shooting target comprises a frame. A throwing arm is supported by the frame and is rotatable about a throwing axis. The throwing arm is rotatable from a cocked position. The throwing arm is configured to throw the shooting target as the throwing arm rotates about the throwing axis from the cocked position. A throwing spring is operatively coupled to the throwing arm. The throwing spring is arranged to rotate the throwing arm about the throwing axis to throw the shooting target. An electric motor is operatively coupled to the throwing arm. The electric motor is configured to rotate the throwing arm about the throwing axis toward the cocked position. A power connector is supported by the frame. A first power source has a first power source connector. The first power source connector is releasably connectable to the power connector to deliver electrical power for the electric motor. A second power source has a second power source connector. The second power source connector is releasably connectable to the power connector to deliver electrical power for the electric motor. The first and second power sources are interchangeably connectable to the power connector for delivering electrical power for the electric motor.

In another aspect, a shooting target thrower for throwing a shooting target comprises a frame. A throwing arm is supported by the frame and is rotatable about a throwing axis. The throwing arm is rotatable from a cocked position. The throwing arm is configured to throw the shooting target as the throwing arm rotates about the throwing axis from the cocked position. A throwing spring is operatively coupled to the throwing arm. The throwing spring is arranged to rotate the throwing arm about the throwing axis to throw the shooting target. An electric motor is operatively coupled to the throwing arm. The electric motor is configured to rotate the throwing arm about the throwing axis toward the cocked position. A power connector is supported by the frame. A first power source has a first power source connector and a wall plug configured to be plugged to a wall receptacle. The first power source connector is releasably connectable to the power connector to deliver electrical power for the electric motor.

Other objects and features of the present disclosure will be in part apparent and in part pointed out herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective of a shooting target thrower according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the shooting target thrower in an operational configuration;

FIG. 2 is another perspective of the shooting target thrower in the operational configuration;

FIG. 3 is a perspective of the shooting target thrower in a stowed configuration;

FIG. 4 is another perspective of the shooting target thrower in the stowed configuration;

FIG. 5 is a perspective of a base of the shooting target thrower;

FIG. 6 is another perspective of the base;

FIG. 7 is a partially exploded view of the base;

FIG. 8 is a partially exploded view of the shooting target thrower, showing the base decoupled from a head of the shooting target thrower;

FIG. 9A is a perspective of the shooting target thrower, with portions shown transparent to reveal interior details;

FIG. 9B is an enlarged perspective of the shooting target thrower, with portions shown transparent to show an angle adjustment mechanism in a release position;

FIG. 9C is an enlarged perspective of the shooting target thrower, with portions shown transparent to show the angle adjustment mechanism in a retaining position;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary, enlarged perspective of the shooting target thrower, with portions shown transparent to show interior details;

FIG. 11 is a perspective of a tensioner of the shooting target thrower;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary, enlarged perspective of the shooting target thrower, with a handle of the tensioner removed to show interior details;

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary, enlarged perspective of the shooting target thrower, with portions shown transparent to show interior details;

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary, enlarged perspective of the head of the shooting target thrower;

FIG. 15 is an exploded view of a spring pin assembly of the shooting target thrower;

FIG. 16 is a perspective of the throwing arm;

FIG. 17 is a fragmentary, enlarged perspective of the throwing arm;

FIG. 18 is perspective of the head, with portions hidden from view to show interior details of a target feeder of the shooting target thrower;

FIG. 19 is a fragmentary, enlarged cross-section of the target feeder;

FIG. 20 is a bottom view of the target feeder;

FIG. 21 is a fragmentary, enlarged perspective of a rear of the head, showing a battery mounted to the head;

FIG. 22 is similar to FIG. 21, but without the battery;

FIG. 23 is a perspective of the battery;

FIG. 24 is a cross-section of the battery;

FIG. 25 is a perspective of a wall outlet power source of the shooting target thrower;

FIG. 26 is a perspective of a battery connection power source for the shooting target thrower;

FIG. 27 is a fragmentary perspective of the shooting target thrower, with a safety guard in an operational configuration;

FIG. 28 is a perspective of a hoop segment of the safety guard;

FIG. 29 is a perspective of another hoop segment of the safety guard;

FIG. 30 is a perspective of a male connector of the safety guard; and

FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram of a control system for the shooting target thrower.

Corresponding reference numbers indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is directed to shooting target throwers for throwing shooting targets T (e.g., clay shooting targets), commonly referred to as clay pigeons, clay targets, or simply clays, to be shot by a firearm, such as a shotgun. The shooting target throwers of the present disclosure are motorized or powered. It is understood and appreciated that aspects of the shooting target throwers of the present disclosure can be implemented in other types of target throwers (e.g., non-motorized target throwers, hand held target throwers, etc.) without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring to the figures, one embodiment of a shooting target thrower according to the present disclosure is generally indicated at reference numeral 10. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the target thrower 10 includes a frame 12 that includes a base 14 and a head 16. The base 14 includes a plurality of legs arranged to rest on a support surface, such as a floor, throwing pad, ground, etc. to support the target thrower 10. Desirably, the legs are each pivotably connected to the rest of the base so that the legs can be moved from a deployed position (FIGS. 1 and 2) to a collapsed, stowed position (FIGS. 3 and 4) for easy storage and transport.

Referring to FIGS. 5-7, the base 14 includes three legs 18A-C coupled to a hub 20. The first and second legs 18A, 18B are generally mirror images of each other and are each coupled to the hub 20 by a pivot connection that permits the first and second legs, respectively, to move between the deployed and stowed positions. In this embodiment, each pivot connection coupling the respective first and second legs 18A, 18B to the hub is formed by a fastener extending through the leg and coupled to the hub. The first and second legs 18A, 18B each rotate or pivot about their own pivot axis (defined by the fastener coupling the leg to the hub 20). The first and second legs 18A, 18B move inward, toward one another when moving to the stowed position and move outward, away from one another when moving to the deployed position. Each of the first and second legs 18A, 18B includes a first segment 19A and a second segment 19B extending from and at an angle to the first segment. The first segments 19A are generally parallel to one another when the first and second legs 18A, 18B are in the stowed positions. The third leg 18C is coupled to the hub 20 by another pivot connection that permits the third leg to move between its deployed and stowed position. In this embodiment, the pivot connection for the third leg 18C is defined by fasteners extending through the leg and coupled to the hub. The third leg 18C rotates or pivots about its own pivot axis (defined by the fasteners), different from the pivot axes of the first and second legs 18A, 18B. In this embodiment, the pivot axis of the third leg 18C is oriented generally perpendicular to the pivot axes of the first and second legs 18A, 18B.

The base 14 includes a leg retainer 22 configured to releasably secure the legs 18A-C in at least one of the deployed position or stowed position. In the illustrated embodiment, the leg retainer 22 releasably secures the legs 18A-C in both the deployed and stowed positions. The leg retainer 22 is releasably connectable to the hub 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the leg retainer 22 includes an actuator or knob 24 attached to a threaded shaft 26. The hub 20 includes a threaded opening 28 that threadably receives the threaded shaft 26. Rotating the knob 24 in one direction connects the leg retainer 22 to the hub 20 and rotating the knob 24 in the other direction disconnects the leg retainer from the hub. The leg retainer 22 is connectable to the hub 20 in a first or deployed orientation (FIG. 6) and a second or stowed orientation (FIG. 4). In both deployed and stowed orientations, the threaded shaft 26 is threaded into the threaded opening 28. In the deployed orientation, the leg retainer 22 holds or retains each of the legs 18A-C in their respective deployed positions. In the stowed orientation, the leg retainer 22 holds or retains each of the legs 18A-C in their respective stowed positions. In general, the leg retainer 22 is flipped around or rotated 180-degrees about the shaft 26 between the deployed and stowed orientations. The leg retainer 22 includes retaining portions or tabs that inhibit the legs 18A-C from moving to the stowed position from the deployed position. The leg retainer 22 includes a first retaining portion 30A. The first retaining portion is sized and shaped to be inserted between the first and second legs 18A, 18B (specifically, the first segments 19A, 19B thereof) to prevent first and second legs from moving toward their stowed positions from their deployed positions when the leg retainer 22 is coupled to the hub 20 in the deployed orientation. The leg retainer 22 also includes second retaining portions 30B (broadly, at least one second retaining portion). The second retaining portions 30B engage or brace the third leg 18C (specifically, different segments thereof) to prevent the third leg from moving toward its stowed position from its deployed position, when the leg retainer 22 is coupled to the hub 20 in the deployed orientation (FIG. 6). In addition, the second retaining portions 30B engage or brace the third leg 18C (specifically, different segments thereof) to prevent the third leg from moving toward its deployed position from its stowed position, when the leg retainer 22 is coupled to the hub 20 in the stowed orientation (FIG. 4). The leg retainer 22 includes a third retaining portion 30C. The third retaining portion 30C includes an opening or recess (with an open side) sized and shaped to receive the first and second legs 18A, 18B (specifically, the first segments 19A, 19B thereof) when first and second legs are in their stowed positions and the leg retainer 22 is coupled to the hub 20 in the stowed orientation (FIG. 4). In this configuration, the third retaining portion 30C receives the first and second legs 18A, 18B in the opening, thereby preventing the first and second legs from moving toward their respective deployed positions from their stowed positions. Other ways of retaining the legs may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

To move the legs 18A-C from their stowed positions to their deployed positions, the leg retainer 22 is disconnected from the hub 20. The third leg 18C is pivoted to its deployed position and the first and second legs 18A, 18B are each pivoted outward to their deployed positions. The leg retainer 22 is oriented in the deployed orientation and reattached to the hub 20 (via the threaded shaft 26). The first retaining portion 30A is now disposed between the first and second legs 18A, 18B and the second retaining portions are arranged to engage and hold the third leg 18C in its deployed position. To move the legs 18A-C from their deployed positions to their stowed positions, the leg retainer 22 is disconnected from the hub 20. Then the first and second legs 18A, 18B are each pivoted inward to their stowed positions and the third leg 18C is pivoted to its stowed position. The leg retainer 22 is oriented in the stowed orientation and reattached to the hub 20. The third retaining portion 30C is now capturing and holding the first and second legs 18A, 18B in their stowed positions and the second retaining portions 30B arranged to engage and hold the third leg 18C in its stowed position. Other configurations of the base may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The head 16 is supported by the base 14. Specifically, the head 16 is connected to the base 14 by a pivot connection, which allows the head to pivot relative to the base. This allows the angle (e.g., lunch angle) relative to the horizontal (e.g., a horizontal plane) the targets are thrown by the throwing mechanism to be changed as desired by the user. For example, the different angles relative to the horizontal can range from approximately parallel to the ground to approximately 45-degrees relative to the ground. In the illustrated embodiment, the pivot connection connecting the head 16 to the base 14 is formed by a removable pin 32. The pin 32 defines the pivot axis about which the head 16 can rotate or pivot about relative to the base 14. The pin 32 is inserted into aligned openings in the base 14 (e.g., hub 20) and the head 16, and secured with fasteners 34 (e.g., screws) threaded into either end of the pin. The pin 32 allows the head 16 to be disconnected from the base 14. This allows the head 16 to be attached to other types of bases, mounts, etc. To disconnect the head 16 from the base, one of the fasteners 34 is removed from the pin 32 and then the pin is withdrawn from the openings in the head 16 and base 14. To reconnect the head 16 to the base 14, the head is positioned relative to the base to align the opening and then the pin 32 is inserted thereto. The fastener 34 is then reattached to the pin 32 to secure the pin in place. Other ways of attaching the head 16 to the base 14 may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, such as a rod with e-clips, a bolt with a washer at each end, etc.

Referring to FIG. 9A-C, the thrower 10 includes an angle adjustment mechanism to set the angle of the head 16 relative to the base 14. The angle adjustment mechanism includes an adjustment bracket 36 with a plurality of notches 38 (formed by teeth). The notches 38 define set angles at which the head 16 can be positioned. The adjustment bracket 36 is mounted (e.g., fixed) to and extends upward from the hub 20 (the adjustment bracket 36 may be considered part of the base 14). The angle adjustment mechanism includes an actuator or handle 40 coupled to a retaining bracket 42 (broadly, retainer). The retaining bracket 42 is mounted to a lower housing 17B of the head 16. The retaining bracket 42 is rotatable or pivotable (broadly, moveable) between a release position (FIG. 9B) and a retaining position (FIG. 9C). In the retaining position, the retaining bracket 42 is received in one of the notches 38 of the adjustment bracket 36. In the release position, the retaining bracket 42 is spaced from the notches 38. A spring biases the retaining bracket 42 toward the retaining position. The handle 40 extends through a slot in the lower housing 17B of the head 16. Using the handle 40, the user moves the retaining bracket to the release position to select which notch 38 the retaining bracket is inserted into to position the head 16 at the desired angle. When the angle is adjusted, the user supports the head 16 while the handle 40 is raised. The head 16 is then moved up or down until the retaining bracket 42 aligns with the desired notch 38. Then the retaining bracket 42 is moved downward to be inserted into the notch and engage the adjustment bracket 36. The lower housing 17B of the head 16 may include a window 44 to assist the user in setting the retaining bracket 42 in one of the notches 38. The window 44 allows a user to see the notches of the retaining bracket 42 (which are otherwise hidden from view by the lower housing 17B of the head 16). Desirably, the window 44 is small and only one notch 38 can be viewed at a time. In this embodiment, when the notch 38 is viewable through or aligned with the window 44, the notch is in a position to receive the retaining bracket 42. One notch, designated as 38A, may be used to set the head 16 in a stowed position relative to the base (the other notches placing the head in one of variety of operational positions relative to the base). In the stowed position, the head 16 is at a negative angle to the horizontal. This facilitates compact storage of the thrower 10. Other configurations of the angle adjustment mechanism may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 2, thrower 10 includes a hopper 46. The hopper 46 is removeably attached to the head 16 of the thrower 10. The hopper 48 stores and holds a plurality of targets. The hopper 46 includes an interior sized and shaped to receive the plurality of targets. In the illustrated embodiment, the hopper 46 stores and holds the targets in a stack such that the targets are stacked one on top of the other. The targets are fed from the bottom of the stack to a throwing mechanism of the target thrower 10. The head 16 includes an upper housing 17A and a lower housing 17B. The hopper 46 is removeably attached to the upper housing 17A. Desirably, the hopper 46 is oversized for easy loading. The upper housing 17B may have a tapered inlet at the bottom of the hopper 46 that funnels the targets to a specific (e.g., smaller) area for controlled feeding by the feeding mechanism. The target is desirably fully supported at the bottom allowing for better feeding and stress distribution. Other configurations of the hopper may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The throwing mechanism includes a throwing arm 48 supported by the frame 12. Specifically, the throwing arm 48 is coupled to and supported by the head 16. The throwing arm 48 rotates 360 degrees through a range of motion or throwing cycle about a throwing or pivot axis A (FIG. 1). The throwing axis A is disposed in front of the hopper 18. The throwing mechanism also includes a throwing spring 50 operatively coupled to the throwing arm 48. In the illustrated embodiment, the throwing spring 50 comprises a coiled tension spring, although other configurations may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Generally speaking, the throwing arm 48 rotates in only one direction D (e.g., a first or throwing direction) (FIG. 2) about the throwing axis A, especially during the throwing cycle. In the illustrated embodiment, with reference to FIG. 2, the throwing arm 48 rotates in a counter-clockwise direction about the throwing axis A. FIGS. 1 and 2 show the throwing arm 48 in a cocked position. In this position, the throwing spring 50 is near its maximum tension and the throwing arm 48 is ready to throw a target. The throwing arm 48 is configured to throw the target as the throwing arm rotates from the cocked position, about the throwing axis A in the first direction D. After throwing the target, the throwing arm reaches a thrown position. In the thrown position, the throwing arm 48 has thrown the target T and may be at rest (e.g., not moving about the throwing axis A) or moving due to the motor 52 (e.g., is not rotating faster than the shaft 54) toward the cocked position. The thrown position may also be referred to as a partially cocked (e.g., ½ cocked, ¾ cocked) position as the throwing arm is partially cocked in this position (e.g., the throwing spring 50 has a tension greater than its lowest amount of tension applied during the throwing cycle). The throwing spring 50 is arranged to rotate the throwing arm 48 in the first direction D about the throwing axis A to throw the target. In particular, the throwing spring 50 is arranged to rotate the throwing arm 48 from the cocked position toward (e.g., to) the thrown position to throw the target.

FIG. 9A shows the throwing arm 48 in a non-cocked position. In this position, the throwing spring 50 imparts the least amount of force on the throwing arm 48. A spring pin assembly 80 (described below) is generally closest to the third leg 18C (e.g., farthest rearward) when the throwing arm 48 is in the non-cocked position. Generally, the throwing arm 48 rotates past the non-cocked position when throwing the target and the throwing arm is only in this positon when moved there by the operator. The momentum of the throwing arm 48 carries the throwing arm past the non-cocked position and into the thrown position. During the throwing cycle, the throwing arm 48 rotates from the cocked position, through to the non-cocked position, and to the thrown position to throw the target. The throwing arm 48 is then rotated from the thrown position to the cocked position to repeat the cycle. The plane about which the throwing arm 48 moves in as the throwing arm rotates about the throwing axis A generally separates the upper and lower housings 17A, 17B of the head 16.

The force (e.g., spring force) imparted by the throwing spring 50 on the throwing arm 48 varies as the throwing arm rotates about the throwing axis A (e.g., during the throwing cycle). As the throwing arm 48 rotates through the throwing cycle, the throwing spring 50 expands and contracts as force applied to and released by the throwing spring. When the throwing arm 48 is in the cocked position, the force imparted by the throwing spring 50 is generally at (specifically, slightly less than) the maximum amount applied by the throwing spring 50 during the throwing cycle. In this position, a distance (e.g., a first distance) between the first and second ends of the throwing spring 50 is generally at (specifically, slightly less than) the maximum distance between the first and second ends of the throwing spring 50 during the throwing cycle. When the throwing arm 48 is in the non-cocked position, the force imparted by the throwing spring 50 is at the lowest amount applied by the throwing spring 50 during the throwing cycle. In this position, the distance (e.g., a second distance) between the first and second ends of the throwing spring 50 is at the smallest distance during the throwing cycle.

Referring to FIG. 10, the throwing mechanism includes an electric motor 52. Desirably, the motor 52 comprises a 12 volt DC motor, although other configurations can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The electric motor 52 is operatively coupled to the throwing arm 48 and the throwing spring 50. In general, the electric motor 52 moves the throwing arm to the cocked position, thereby also charging the throwing spring 50. The throwing mechanism includes a drive train operatively coupling the motor 52 to the throwing arm 48 and the throwing spring 50 for moving the throwing arm about the throwing axis A. The motor 52, via the drive train, rotates the throwing arm 48 to cock the throwing arm, tensioning a throwing spring 50 (e.g., move the throwing arm to the cocked position). The motor 52 also holds the throwing arm 48 in the cocked position. To release the throwing arm 48 and throw a target, the motor 52 rotates the throwing arm about the throwing axis A until the throwing spring 50 goes over-center, at which point the throwing spring takes over. The throwing arm 48 accelerates and rotates in the first direction D, under the force of the throwing spring 50, to throw the target.

The drive train includes a shaft 54 (e.g., a central shaft). The shaft 54 defines and is rotatable about the throwing axis A. The throwing arm 48 is fixed to and rotatable with the shaft 54. The shaft 54 and throwing arm 48 rotate together. Bearings connect the shaft 54 to the upper and lower housings 17A, 17B of the head 16. The bearings permit the shaft 54 to rotate in the first direction D, and in the opposite direction (e.g., a second direction). The drive train includes a one-way bearing 56 mounted on the shaft 54. The drive train also includes a drive gear 58 mounted to the one-way bearing 56. The one-way bearing 56 permits the shaft 54 (and thereby the throwing arm 48) to rotate relative to the drive gear 58 in the first direction D. This allows the throwing arm 48 (and shaft 54) to rotate relative to the drive gear 58 when the throwing arm 48 is being rotated by the throwing spring 50 to throw a target (e.g., allows the throwing arm and shaft to rotate faster than the motor 52 in the first direction to throw the target). The one-way bearing 56 inhibits the shaft 54 (and thereby the throwing arm 48) from rotating in the second direction (opposite the first direction D) relative to the drive gear 58. Thus, for reasons that will become apparent, in order for the throwing arm 48 to rotate in the second direction, the drive gear 58 must also be rotated in the second direction. The drive train includes a worm gear drive 60, which is desirably integrated with the motor 52 (broadly, the worm gear drive may be considered part of the motor). The worm gear drive 60 is self-locking, meaning the worm gear drive will only move when operated by the motor 52. In this embodiment, the self-locking of the worm gear drive 60 is what holds the throwing arm 48 in the cocked position. The worm gear drive 60 is coupled (via drive shaft) to one or more reduction gears in a gear reduction box, generally designated at 62, which increase the torque provided by the motor 52 to rotate the throwing arm 48 and cock the throwing spring 50. At least one reduction gear in the gear reduction box 62 is in meshed engagement with the drive gear 58, such that movement of the reduction gears results in movement of the drive gear 58. In operation, operation of the motor 52 turns the worm gear drive 60, which in turn rotates the reduction gears, which in turn rotates the drive gear 58, which in turn rotates the shaft 54 and the throwing arm 54.

The motor 52 operates in a first drive direction (e.g., the worm gear drive 60 rotates in the first drive direction) to rotate the shaft 54 and the throwing arm 48 in the first direction D, such as when moving the throwing arm to the cocked position. The motor 52 is also reversible and can operate in a second drive direction opposite the first drive direction (e.g., the worm gear drive 60 rotates in the second drive direction). This is beneficial for moving the shaft 54 and the throwing arm 48 to the non-cocked position, where the throwing spring 30 imparts the least amount of force on the throwing arm 48. Moving the throwing arm 48 to the non-cocked position makes it easier to de-tension the throwing spring 50 (described below) when storing the thrower 10. The configuration of the drive train permits the shaft 54 and the throwing arm 48 to rotate in either the first direction D or the opposite second direction. Specifically, the arrangement of the one-way bearing 56 permits the shaft 54 and the throwing arm 48 to rotate in either the first direction D or the opposite second direction. The one-way bearing 56 is operatively positioned between the drive gear 56 and the shaft 54. The one-way bearing 56 is not positioned operatively between shaft 54 and the housing (e.g., upper and/or lower housing 17A, 17B) of the head 16. This allows the shaft 54, and thereby the throwing arm 48, to rotate in the first direction D or second direction relative to the housing of the head 16. However, because the shaft 54 and throwing arm 48 cannot rotate relative to the drive gear 58 in the second direction (and the drive gear is inhibited from rotating in any direction when the motor 52 is not operating due to the worm gear drive 60), the drive gear is rotated in the second direction via the motor (operating in reverse) to rotate the shaft 54 and throwing arm 48 in the second direction. Therefore, to move the throwing arm 54 to the non-cocked position, the motor 52 is operated in reverse, thereby rotating the drive gear 58 in the second direction. As the drive gear 58 rotates in the second direction, the force imparted by the throwing spring 50 on the shaft 54 and throwing arm 48 causes the shaft and throwing arm to follow the drive gear 58 in the second direction (the force imparted by the throwing spring cannot rotate the shaft and throwing arm in the second direction faster than the rotational speed of the drive gear because of the one-way bearing 58). The shaft 54 and throwing arm 48 continue to move in the second direction until the throwing arm is in the non-cocked position and the throwing spring 50 is imparting the least amount of force. If needed, the one-way bearing 56 permits the motor 52 to continue to operate in reverse and move the drive gear 58 in the second direction, even though the throwing arm 48 is already in the non-cocked position. The throwing spring 50 holds the throwing arm 48 in the non-cocked position (movement of the throwing arm pass the non-cocked position when rotating in the second direction would only start to increase the force imparted by the throwing spring 50, but instead of the force increasing, the one-way bearing 56 permits the drive gear 58 to move in the second direction relative to the throwing arm and shaft 54). Other configurations of the throwing mechanism may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 10-13, the target thrower includes a tensioner 64 to adjust the force or tension imparted by the throwing spring 50. The tensioner 64 includes tension handle 66 and a threaded rod 68. The threaded rod 68 includes an eyelet which connects to one end of the throwing spring 50. The tension handle 66 is coupled (e.g., threadably coupled) to the threaded rod 68. Rotating the tension handle 66 in one direction moves the threaded rod 68 toward the throwing axis A, thereby reducing tension in the throwing spring 50. Rotating the tension handle 66 in the opposite direction moves the threaded rod 68 away from the throwing axis A, thereby increasing tension in the throwing spring 50 (which results in the target being thrown farther). The tensioner 64 is moveable from a first or tensioning position (FIG. 10) to a second or non-tensioning position (FIG. 13). When the tensioner 64 is in the tensioning position, moving the throwing arm 48 to the cocked position tensions (e.g., further tensions) the throwing spring 50. When the tensioner is in the non-tensioning position, moving the throwing arm 48 to the cocked position does not tension the throwing spring 50. Desirably, no tension will be imparted on the throwing spring 50 due to rotation of the throwing arm 48 when the tensioner 64 is in the non-tensioning position. This allows the throwing arm 48 to be moved and stored in the more compact cocked position without having any tension in the throwing spring 50, making it safer to store the thrower 10.

The tension handle 66 (broadly, a tension actuator) includes a knob 71 and a stop 70. The stop 70 includes a shoulder 72 and a barrel 74. The diameter of the barrel 74 is larger than the diameter of the threaded rod 68. The lower housing 17B (a rearward wall or portion thereof) includes a key-hole slot 76. The key-hole slot 76 includes a first or large section 76A and a second or small section 76B (each generally circular) connected by a narrow throat 76C there-between. The diameter of the barrel 74 generally corresponds to the diameter of the small section 76B. The width of the throat 76C is wider than the diameter of the threaded rod 68, thereby allowing the threaded rod to move between the first and second sections 76A, 76B. The width of the throat 76C is smaller than the diameter of the barrel 74. This holds the barrel 74 (broadly, the tension handle) in the small section 76B. The diameter of the large section 76A is larger than the diameter of the stop 70 (and threaded rod 68), thereby allowing the stop (and most of the tension handle 66) to move through the large section. In the tensioning position (FIG. 10), the stop 70 is engaged with the portion of the lower housing 17B around the key-hole slot 76. The barrel 74 is disposed in the small section 76B and the shoulder 72 is engaged with a surface or wall 78 of the lower housing 17B surrounding or defining the key-hole slot 76.

To move the tensioner 64 from the tensioning position to the non-tensioning position (FIG. 13), user moves the throwing arm 48 to the non-cocked position (as described herein) to reduce the tension in the throwing spring 50. With the tension reduced, the user than then pulls rearward on the tension handle 66 (made easier sense the tension in the throwing spring 50 was reduced), withdrawing the barrel 74 from the small section 76B and moving the tension handle 66 upward into alignment with the large section 76A. During this step, the threaded rod 68 moves through the throat 76 into the large section 76A. After the tension handle 66 is in alignment with the large section 76A, the user moves the stop 70 and forward portion of the tension handle 66 through the large section 76A (this movement may be aided by any remaining tension in the throwing spring 50) to de-tension the throwing spring. The tensioner 64 is now in the non-tensioning position. In the non-tensioning position, the stop 70 is forward of its location in the tensioning position. The knob of the tension handle 66 is larger than the large section 76A and inhibits the tension handle 66 from moving completely through the large section 76A. This makes it easier to grab the tension handle 66 and move the tensioner 64 back to the tensioning position. With the tensioner 64 in the non-tensioning position, the throwing arm 48 can be rotated to the cocked position without tensioning the throwing spring. This movement of the tensioner 64 between the tensioning and non-tensioning positions allows the throwing spring 50 to be quickly tensioning and de-tensioned, without having to painstakingly rotate the tension handle 66 to move the threaded rod 68. In other words, the movement of the tensioner 64 between the tensioning and non-tensioning positions occurs without requiring any rotation of the tensioner 64 (or a component thereof). The throwing spring 50 can be de-tensioned without changing the position of the tension handle 66 and the threaded rod 68 relative to one another. To move the tensioner 64 from the non-tensioning position to the tensioning position, the steps are generally reversed. For example, the user moves the throwing arm 48 to the non-cocked position. The user then pulls the tensioner 64 rearward so that the stop 70 passes through the large section 76A of the keyhole slot 76 and then downward to align the barrel 74 with the small section 76B. The user then pushes the tensioner 64 forward (this movement may be aided by the throwing spring 50) to seat the barrel 74 in the small section 76B and engage the stop 70 with the lower housing 17B. Other configurations of the tensioner may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the front end of the throwing spring 50 is connected to a spring pin assembly 80 (the rear end of the throwing spring being connected to the tensioner 64). The spring pin assembly 80 (broadly, a spring-shaft coupler) connects the throwing spring 50 to the shaft 54. The spring pin assembly 80 includes a spring pin 82. The spring pin 82 is connected to the bottom of the shaft 54 by a link 84. The link 84 offsets or spaces apart the spring pin 82 from the throwing axis A. This offsets the point of connection between the throwing spring 50 and the spring pin assembly 80 from the throwing axis so that the force imparted by the throwing spring rotates the shaft 54 and throwing arm 48. The spring pin assembly 80 includes a bushing or collar 86 mounted on the spring pin 82. The bushing 86 can rotate about the spring pin. The bushing 86 is secured to the spring pin 82 by washers 88 on the top and bottom of the bushing 86 and a fastener 90 coupled (e.g., threadably coupled) to the spring pin. The bushing 86 includes a cylindrical wall 92 and a rib or key 94 extending along the cylindrical wall. The key 94 is oriented to be generally parallel with the axis of rotation about which the bushing 86 rotates about the spring pin 82. In one embodiment, the bushing 86 is made of bronze, although other materials may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The spring pin assembly 80 includes a spring coupler 96. The spring coupler 96 is mounted on the bushing 86. The spring coupler 86 includes at least one opening 98 that receives the bushing 86. The spring coupler 96 also includes a keyway slot or passage 100 that receives the key 94 of the bushing 86. This inhibits the spring coupler 96 from rotating relative to the bushing 86, thereby forcing the bushing to rotate relative to the spring pin 82. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring coupler 96 includes two openings 98 and two keyway slots 100. The spring coupler 96 also includes spring connector 102 that connects to the throwing spring 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring connector 102 comprises a catch or loop onto which the front hook of the throwing spring 50 hooks. Other configurations of the spring connector may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The spring connector 102 permits the throwing spring 50 to pivot up and down relative to the spring pin assembly 80, reducing stress on the spring pin assembly. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring coupler 96 has a single body, formed by bending a piece of sheet metal into a generally U-shape. Other configurations of a spring coupler may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The spring pin assembly 80 of the present disclosure is light weight, minimizing the energy from the throwing spring 50 that is needed to rotate the spring pin assembly 80 about the throwing axis A. Further, the spring pin assembly 80, in particular the bushing 86 and the spring connector 102 are easy and inexpensive to manufacture, reducing costs. Other ways of connecting the throwing spring to the shaft may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, the throwing arm 48 includes a bed 104 arranged to receive and support the target. The throwing arm 48 also includes a throwing bumper 106 arranged to engage and brace the target as the throwing arm 48 rotates to throw the target. The throwing bumper 106 includes an engagement surface 108 (e.g., a target engagement surface) arranged to engage a side of the target. The engagement surface 108 extends along a side of the bed 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the throwing bumper 106 includes a resiliently compressible (e.g., rubber) throwing strip 110 that defines the engagement surface 108. The throwing strip 110 helps cushion the impact between the target and the throwing bumper 106 to prevent the target from breaking. In the illustrated embodiment, the throwing bumper 106 includes a throwing strip backing or support 112. The throwing strip 110 is mounted to the throwing strip backing 112. Desirably, the throwing strip 110 is over-molded onto the throwing strip backing 112 to securely mount the throwing strip to the throwing strip backing. The throwing strip backing 112 may include a groove 115 and/or one or more holes or recesses 114 (in communication with the groove), which are filled by the over-molding material forming the throwing strip 110 during the over-molding process to securely fix the throwing strip to the throwing strip backing. The throwing strip backing 112 may be made of a polymer material (e.g., TPU), although other materials can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the throwing bumper 106 is secured to the rest of the throwing arm 48 by a plurality of fasteners. This allows the throwing bumper 106 to be easily replaced if it wears out over time. Generally, when the throwing arm 48 rotates to throw the target, the target slides radially outward from the throwing axis A along the bed 104 and rolls along the engagement surface 108. The centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the throwing arm 48 forces the target to slide off the end of the bed 104 and into the air. Other configurations of the throwing arm may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 18-20, the target thrower 10 includes a target feeder 116 configured to feed each target held in the hopper 46 to the throwing arm 48. The target feeder 116 dispenses the targets one at a time from the bottom of the stack to the throwing arm 48. The hopper 46 is aligned with an opening 120 (e.g., a first or housing opening) of the housing of the head 16. The opening 120 is sized and shaped to permit the targets to move (e.g., fall) therethrough toward the throwing arm 48. The target feeder 116 includes a feed door 118 (broadly, a first target retainer) and a feed cam 119. The feed door 118 is arranged to release the bottom-most target from the stack in the hopper 46 toward the throwing arm 48. The feed door 118 includes a feed door opening 122 (e.g., a second or target opening). The feed door opening 122 is sized and shaped to permit the targets to move (e.g., fall) therethrough toward the throwing arm 48. In the illustrated embodiment, the feed door 118 generally underlies the opening 120 of the housing of the head 16. The feed door 118 includes a support portion or platform 124. The feed door opening 122 is generally disposed between the platform 124 and the throwing axis A. The feed door 118 is movably coupled to the housing of the head 16. The feed door 118 is movable between a first or feed door retaining position and a second or feed door release position (FIGS. 18-20). In the feed door retaining position, the feed door 118 is arranged with respect to the hopper 46 (specifically, the stack of targets) to retain the targets. Specifically, the platform 124 is at least partially aligned with and underlying the opening 120 of the head 16 to support the stack of targets thereon. In the feed door release position, the feed door 118 is arranged to release or dispense the targets (e.g., the bottom-most target in the stack) toward the throwing arm 46. Specifically, the feed door opening 122 is aligned with and underlying the opening 120 of the head 16 to permit the targets to move (e.g., fall) therethrough toward the throwing arm 48. In other words, the feed door opening 122 becomes aligned with the bottom-most target in the stack in the hopper 46. In the illustrated embodiment, the feed door 118 moves linearly or in a radial direction relative to the throwing axis A between the feed door retaining and release positions. The feed door 118 includes a plurality of slots through which fasteners connecting the feed door to the housing of the head 16 extend (FIG. 20). The slots permit the feed door 118 to slide relative to the fasteners between the feed door retaining and release positions.

The feed cam 119 is operatively connected to the feed door 118 such that the feed door moves in response to movement of the feed cam. The feed cam 119 is rotatable responsive to rotation of the shaft 54. In the illustrated embodiment, the feed cam 119 is fixed to and rotatable with the shaft 54 such that the feed cam rotates about the throwing axis A. Thus, the feed cam 119 rotates with the throwing arm 48. The feed door 118 includes a bearing 126 that is engaged with and follows the feed cam 119. Accordingly, the feed door 118 follows or is moved by the feed cam. The bearing 126 (broadly, the feed door 118) is biased toward the feed cam 119 (broadly, toward the feed door retaining position) with one or more feed door springs 128. The feed door springs 128 ensure the feed door 118 remains engaged with the feed cam 119 as the feed cam rotates. Rotation of the feed cam 119 moves the feed door 118 between the feed door retaining and release positions. The feed door 118 moves toward the shaft 54 or throwing axis A as the feed door moves from the feed door release position toward the feed door retaining position. Likewise, the feed door 118 moves away from the shaft 54 or throwing axis A as the feed door moves from the feed door retaining position toward the feed door release position. The feed door 118 includes stops 121 which engage the housing of the head 16 to limit movement of the feed door toward the shat 54 or throwing axis A, and set the feed door in the feed door retaining position.

The target feeder 110 includes a feed foot 130 (broadly, a second target retainer). The feed foot 130 is configured to retain the targets in the hopper 46. The feed foot 130 and the feed door 118 work together to dispense the targets one at a time from the hopper 46 to the throwing arm 48. The feed foot 130 includes a target engagement surface 132 facing the targets in the hopper 46 (e.g., facing the interior of the hopper). The target engagement surface 132 selectively engages the targets in the hopper 46 to retain the targets. The feed foot 130 is movably coupled to the housing of the head 16. The feed foot 130 is movable between the first or feed foot retaining position (FIGS. 18-20) and a second or feed foot release position. In the feed foot retaining position, the feed foot 130 is arranged to retain the targets. Specifically, the target engagement surface 132 engages the second-to-bottom target in the stack of the targets to hold the second-to-bottom target and any targets stacked thereon in the hopper 46 and prevent these targets from moving (e.g., falling) toward the throwing arm 48. The feed foot 130 generally squeezes or clamps the second-to-bottom target between the target engagement surface 132 and an opposite side of the hopper 46. Thus, in the feed foot retaining position, the feed foot 130 prevents the entire stack of targets from falling through the feed door 112 (e.g., opening 122 thereof) when the feed door is in the feed door release position. In the feed foot release position, the feed foot 130 is arranged to release the targets. Specifically, the target engagement surface 132 is spaced from the targets (e.g., the second-to-bottom target) to permit the targets to move (e.g., fall) toward the feed door 118 and the throwing arm 48. In the illustrated embodiment, the feed foot 130 moves linearly or in the radial direction relative to the throwing axis A between the feed foot retaining and release positions. The feed foot 130 is mounted on a feed foot support 134 which permits the feed foot to slide between the feed foot retaining and release positions.

The feed foot 130 is operatively connected to the feed door 118 such that the feed foot moves in response to movement of the feed door. Thus, the feed foot 130 is operatively connected to the feed cam 119 such that rotation of the feed cam causes the feed foot to move. The feed door 118 includes a fastener or pin 136 disposed in (e.g., extending through) a feed foot slot 138 in the feed foot 130. This ties the feed foot 130 to the feed door 118 so that the feed foot will move with the feed door at certain times when the pin 136 is engaged by a portion of the feed foot defining an end of the feed foot slot 138. Accordingly, the feed foot 130 follows or is moved by the feed door 118. The feed foot 130 is biased toward the targets (e.g., the interior of the hopper 18) with a feed foot spring of the feed foot support 134. In other words, the feed foot spring biases the feed foot 130 toward the feed foot retaining position. In the illustrated embodiment, the feed foot spring biases the feed foot 130 radially outward such that the pin 136 will generally be disposed at the radial inner end of the slot 138. Movement of the feed door 118 moves the feed foot 130 between the feed foot retaining and release positions. The feed foot 130 moves toward the shaft 54 or throwing axis A as the feed foot moves from the feed foot retaining position toward the feed foot release position. Likewise, the feed foot 130 moves away from the shaft 54 or throwing axis A as the feed foot moves from the feed foot release position toward the feed foot retaining position.

The feed foot 130 and the feed door 118 work together to dispense the targets one at a time from the hopper 46 to the throwing arm 48. During the throwing cycle, at certain times the feed door 118 and the feed foot 130 move together and at other times the feed door moves independently of the feed foot. Generally, the feed foot 130 is disposed in the feed foot retaining position when the feed door 118 is disposed in the feed door release position. Similarly, generally the feed foot 130 is disposed in the feed foot release position when the feed door 118 is disposed in the feed door retaining position. Other configurations of the target feeder may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The target thrower 10 includes one or more brushes or brush segments (broadly, target guides or pushers) for controlling the positioning of the target on the throwing arm 48. In the illustrated embodiment, the target feeder 110 includes a semi-circular brush 142. The brush 142 retains the target in the correct position relative to the throwing arm 48 and helps guide the target into place on the throwing arm. The brush 142 is arranged to bring the target T into engagement with the engagement surface 108 of the throwing arm 48 and is arranged to set a radial distance of the target from the throwing axis A. In the illustrated embodiment, the brush 142 is mounted (broadly, coupled) to the feed door 118. Accordingly, the brush 142 moves with the feed door 118. When the throwing arm 48 rotates to throw the target, the throwing arm generally pushes past and moves the brush 142 out of the way.

The target feeder 110 operates responsive to rotation of the shaft 68. The operation of the target feeder 110 is coordinated with respect to the cocking of the throwing arm 48. Accordingly, moving the throwing arm 48 (via the motor 52) to the cocked position dispenses or feeds a target from the hopper 46 to the throwing arm. Thus, the throwing arm 48 has a target thereon when in the cocked position. The operational sequence of the target feeder 110 will now be described. When the throwing arm 48 is the thrown position, the feed door 118 is in the feed door retaining position and the feed foot 130 is in or near the feed foot release position. Therefore, the stack of targets in the hopper 46 rests on the platform 124 of the feed door 118. As the motor 52 rotates the throwing arm 48 toward the cocked position, the feed cam 119 also rotates about the throwing axis A, which pushes the feed door 118 toward the feed door release position. This movement of the feed door 112 also permits the feed foot 130 to move (under the influence of the feed foot spring) toward the feed foot retaining position (if not there already). The feed foot 130 reaches the feed foot retaining position before the feed door 118 reaches the feed door release position. The target engagement surface 132 of the feed foot 130 contacts the second-to-bottom target in the stack and retains it-thus holding the other targets above in the stack. After the feed foot 130 reaches the feed foot retaining position, the feed door 118 continues to move toward the feed door release position. When the feed door 118 reaches the feed door release position, the bottom-most target (which is not retained by the feed foot 130) drops through the feed door (e.g., aligned openings 120, 122) and down onto the throwing arm 48. As this point, the throwing arm 48 is at or near the cocked position. The throwing arm 48 underlies or is situated below the feed door 118 (specifically, the feed door opening 122). Thus, the dispensing or feeding of a target to the throwing arm 48 is coordinated with the relative angular position of the throwing arm about the throwing axis A. After the target is dropped by the target feeder 110, the brush 142 engages and positions the target on the throwing arm 48.

Continuing with the operational sequence of the target feeder, the throwing arm 48 is now in the cocked position. The throwing arm 48 has stopped rotating and is being held by the motor 52. In this position, the feed door 118 is generally still in the feed door release position (the target having already dropped down while the throwing arm was rotating toward the cocked position as described above) and the feed foot 130 is still in the feed foot retaining position. At this moment, the throwing arm 48 is ready to be released. The motor 52 operates to rotate the throwing arm 48 in the first direction D. Once the throwing spring 50 goes over-center, the throwing spring accelerates and rotates the throwing arm 48 in the first direction D to throw the target. The throwing arm 48 is rotating about the throwing axis A in the first direction Di from the cocked position to the thrown position. As the throwing arm 48 rotates in the first direction Di from the cocked position, the feed door 118 begins to move from the feed door release position toward the feed door retaining position. The feed door begins to move the feed foot 130 from the feed foot retaining position to the feed foot release position. In other words, the pin 136 contacts the portion of the feed door 118 defining the inner radial end of the feed foot slot 138 and beings to push the feed foot 120 radially inward. When the throwing arm 48 is near the non-cocked position (as the throwing arm moves toward the thrown position), the feed door 118 is in the feed door retaining position. In addition, the feed door 118 has also moved the feed foot 130 into the feed foot release position. As a result, the feed foot 130 is now disengaged with the stack of targets in the hopper 18 and the stack has fallen downward so that the new bottom-most target (formerly the second-to-bottom target) now rests on the platform 124 of the feed door 118. The throwing arm 48 continues to rotate toward the thrown position. With the throwing arm 48 in the thrown position, the process (e.g., throwing cycle) is ready to be repeated to throw another target. Other configurations of the target feeder may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 21-26, the power system of the target thrower 10 will now be described. In general, the target thrower 10 of the present disclosure is configured to work with a variety of different power sources (e.g., at least two power sources). By way of example, and described in more detail below, the target thrower 10 of the present disclosure can be powered by an on-board battery, a battery remote of the target thrower, or a standard wall outlet (e.g., wall receptacle). The different power sources are all interchangeable with one another for delivering electrical power to the target thrower 10 (e.g., the motor 52). To connect to the different power sources, the target thrower 10 includes a power connector 140. The power connector 140 is supported by the frame 12. Specifically, the power connector 140 is supported by (e.g., a part of) the head 16 (specifically, the upper housing 17A), at a rear end thereof although other locations may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The power connector 140 connects the different power sources to the rest of the target thrower 10 for powering the thrower (e.g., motor 52). The power connector 140 forms an electrical and mechanical connection with the different power sources. The power connector 140 includes an electrical terminal 142 comprising one or more electrical contacts 144 and a mechanical coupler 146. The electrical terminal 142 forms an electrical connection with the power source for receiving power (e.g., electricity) from the power source. The mechanical coupler 146 mechanically or physically connects the power source to the head 16 of the target thrower. In the illustrated embodiment, the mechanical coupler 146 includes a receiver for receiving the power source. The illustrated receiver comprises a slot 148 (e.g., a t-slot) that captures a portion of the power source. The slot 148 has an open bottom end, with the electrical terminal 142 disposed at the top of the slot. The receiver may also include a clip receiver or recess 150. Other configurations of the power connector may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 23 and 24, one (e.g., a first) power source of the target thrower 10 comprises a battery 152 (e.g., an on-board battery). Desirably, the battery 152 is a lithium-ion battery, although other types of batteries may be used without departing from the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the battery 152 supplies generally 12 volts DC. The battery 152 includes a housing 154 and one or more battery cells 156 contained within the housing. In the illustrated embodiment, the battery 152 includes six cells 156 (e.g., 18650 cells), although more or fewer cells may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the six cells 156 are grouped into two sets of three, with the cells in each group wired in series and the two groups wired in parallel. Other arrangements may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The battery 152 includes a power source connector 158. The power source connector 158 may be integral with or attached to the housing 154. The power source connector 158 mates with the power connector 140 to connect the battery 152 (broadly, power source) to the head 16 of the target thrower 10. In particular, the power source connector 158 is releasably connectable to the power connector 140 to deliver electrical power for the target thrower 10, such as the electric motor 52. The power source connector 158 and the power connector 140 form an electrical and mechanical connection when connected together. The power source connector 158 includes an electrical terminal 160 comprising one or more electrical contacts 162 and a mechanical coupler 164. The electrical terminal 160 of the power source connector 158 mates or electrically connects with the electric terminal 142 of the power connector 140 (e.g., the electrical contacts 144, 162 engage one another) when the power source connector 158 connects to the power connector 140. The mechanical coupler 164 of the power source connector 158 mates or mechanically connects to the mechanical coupler 146 of the power connector 140 when the power source connector 158 connects to the power connector 140. In the illustrated embodiment, the mechanical coupler 164 of the power source connector 158 includes a t-shaped body that is received in the t-shaped slot 148 of the power connector 140. The mechanical coupler 164 of the power source connector 158 also includes a latch or clip 166 that is received in the clip recess 150 to secure and hold the connection between the power source connector 158 and the power connector 140 (broadly, secure and hold the connection between the power source and the rest of the target thrower 10). The clip 166 includes a catch or engagement surface 168 that engages a portion (e.g., surface) of the mechanical coupler 146 of the power connector 140 that forms the clip recess 150, to secure and hold the mechanical couplers 146, 164 together. The clip 166 is moveably (e.g. slideably) disposed or connected to the housing 154 between a first or retaining position (FIG. 24) and a second or release position. The clip 166 includes a handle or finger tab 170 (broadly, actuator). The clip 166 is biased toward the retaining position by a spring 172.

The user mates the power source connector 158 and the power connector 140 to mount the battery 152 to the head 16 of the target thrower 10. To connect the power source connector 158 to the power connector 140, the t-shaped body of the mechanical coupler 164 is positioned below and then moved upward into the t-shaped slot 148 of the power connector 140. The clip 166 includes a ramp 174 which is engaged by the power connector 140 to move the clip toward the release position. The spring 172 pushes the clip 166 to the retaining position and into the clip receiver 150 once the clip becomes aligned with the clip receiver, thereby securing the connection. As the power source connector 158 is moved upward, the electrical terminals 142, 160 electrically connect with one another (e.g., the electrical contacts 144, 162 engage one another). When the battery 152 is attached to the head 16, the battery (full weight thereof) is entirely supported and carried by the head (broadly, the frame 12). To disconnect the battery 152, the user pulls on the actuator 170 of the clip 166 to move the clip to the release position and then slides the battery downward to disconnect the power source connector 158 and the power connector 140.

Referring to FIG. 25, another (e.g., second) power source of the target thrower 10 includes a wall plug 176. The wall plug 176 is configured to be plugged into a wall receptacle (broadly, electrical outlet), such as a standard 110 volt wall receptacle. This power source further includes a power converter 178 configured to convert AC power from the wall receptacle into DC power for the electric motor 52. For example, in one embodiment, the power converter 178 converts 110 volt AC current from the wall receptacle into 12 volt (nominal) DC current for the target thrower 10. This power source also includes a power source connector 158 (and housing 154), as discussed above, for connecting with the power connector 140 of the head 16. Electrical cabling connects the wall plug 176, the power converter 178, and the power source connector 158 together.

Referring to FIG. 26, another (e.g., third) power source of the target thrower 10 includes a pair of battery clips 180. The battery clips 180 are configured to clip onto terminals of an external battery, such as a lead-acid or AGM battery (e.g., 12 volt deep cycle battery). This allows the target thrower 10 to be powered by a remote battery. This power source also includes a power source connector 158 (and housing 154), as discussed above, for connecting with the power connector 140 of the head 16. Electrical cabling connects the battery clips 180 and the power source connector 158 together.

Therefore, each of the power sources includes a power source connector 158 to connect to the power connector 140. In operation, the after the user determines the desired power source to use, the user connects the power source connector 158 of the desired power source to the power connector 140. Further, if the user wants to change power sources, the user removes the power source connector 158 of one power source from the power connector 140 and attaches the power source connector of the other power source. Thus, the different power sources are all interchangeable with one another for delivering electrical power to the target thrower 10 (e.g., the motor 52). Other power system configurations and/or power sources can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in one embodiment, separate connections (e.g., electrical connections) are provided for each power source.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 27-30, the target thrower 10 includes a safety guard 182. The safety guard 182 is arranged to inhibit inadvertent contact with the throwing arm 48 and to visually indicate the area or space in which the throwing arm rotates. In the illustrated embodiment, the safety guard 182 is a ring or hoop. The safety guard 182 includes three releasably coupleable hoop segments or sections 184A-C, so that the safety guard can be disassembled for storage. The first and second hoop segments 184A, 184B are generally identical and each includes a flexible body 186 with a male connector 188 at one end and a female connector 190 at the other end. The flexible body 186 is elongate and, in the illustrated embodiment, comprises a length of tubing. The flexible body 186 has opposite open ends. One of the open ends of the flexible body 186 forms the female connector. The male connector 188 is attached to the other open end of the flexible body 186. The third hoop segment 184C also includes a flexible body 186 but with two female connectors 190, one at each end. In addition, the head 16 of target thrower 10 also includes two male connectors 188 (FIG. 8) for attaching the safety guard 182 to the head.

The male connector 188 includes a plug or barrel 192 that fits into the open end of the flexible body 186 to attach the male connector to the flexible body. The male connectors 188 of the head 16 may omit the plug 192 and instead be mounted in another way, such as by a fastener. The male connector 188 also includes a flange 194 that engages the end of the flexible body 186. The male connector 188 includes an insert 196 that is sized and shaped to mate with the female connector 190 (e.g., be inserted into the open end of the flexible body 186). The insert 196 forms a friction or interference fit with the female connector 190 to attach two hoop segments 184A-C together. In the illustrated embodiment, the insert 196 is slightly tapered and narrows as the insert extends from the flange 194. The insert 196 is generally cylindrical (or more accurately conical), but may include one or more flats 196A (e.g., flat surfaces) on its exterior. The flats 196A help the inset 196 be inserted into the female connector 190 (e.g., open end of the flexible body 186). The flexible body 186 flexes or deforms over the flats 196A, which also helps hold the male and female connectors 188, 190 together. To attach a set of male and female connectors 188, 190, the user inserts the insert 196 into the open end of the flexible body with sufficient manual force until the flange 194 contacts the end of the flexible body. Similarly, to disconnect a set of male and female connectors 188, 190 from one another, the user pulls the insert 196 out of the open end of the flexible body with sufficient manual force. Other configurations of the male and female connectors may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The safety guard 182 is supported by two support arms 198 (broadly, supports) of the target thrower 10. Each support arm 198 is connected to the head 16 by a pivot connection, near the front of the target thrower 10. The pivot connections allow the support arms 198 to move (e.g., rotate or pivot) between a first or deployed position (FIG. 27) and a second or stowed position (FIGS. 3 and 4). Each support arm 198 includes an elongate body with one end attached to the head 16 via the pivot connection and the other end having an eyelet 199 (broadly, opening). The eyelet 199 is sized and shaped to permit the flexible body 186 to be inserted therethrough. In the illustrated embodiment, each pivot connection is formed by two pins or shafts of the support arm 196 that extend into (e.g., through) openings in the head 16, although other configurations of the pivot connection may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. As a result of the pivot connections, the support arms 198 remain attached to the head 16 in both the deployed and stowed positions. The head 16 may include a retainer 197 for each support arm 198 to hold and retain the support arm in the stowed position. In the illustrated embodiment, the retainer 197 comprises a hook attached to the lower housing 17B. To move the support arm 198 to the stowed position, the user rotates the support arm rearward alongside the lower housing 17B. The user may slightly flex the support arm 198 around and into the hook 197, thereby placing the support arm in the hook, which holds the support arm in the stowed position. Similarly, to move the support arm 198 to the deployed position, the user slightly flexes the support arm around and out of the hook 197 and rotates the support arm forward.

To assemble and deploy the safety guard 182 (arrange the safety guard in its operational configuration), the user moves the support arms 198 to their respective deployed positions. The user inserts each end of the third hoop segment 184C through the respective eyelets 199 of the support arms 198. The user then couples the male connector 188 of the first hoop segment 184A to one of the female connectors 190 of the third hoop segment 184C and the female connector of the first hoop segment to one of the male connectors of the head 16. Likewise, the user couples the male connector 188 of the second hoop segment 184B to the other female connectors 190 of the third hoop segment 184C and the female connector of the second hoop segment to the other male connector of the head 16. The flanges 194 of the male connectors 188 of the first and second hoop segments 184A, 184B may engage respective eyelets 199 of the support arms 198 to prevent the support arms from moving back to their stowed positions (e.g., hold the support arms forward in their deployed positions). This process is generally reversed (e.g., the male and female connectors 188, 190 are disconnected) to disassemble and stow the safety guard 182 (arrange the safety guard in its stowed configuration). In the stowed configuration, the three hoop segments 184A-C may be loose and stored independently of the rest of the target thrower 10. Other configurations of the safety guard may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the arrangement of the male and female connectors may be reversed.

Desirably, the target thrower 10 is collapsible for easy transport and storage. In this manner, the target thrower 10 is arrangeable in a deployed or operational configuration (FIGS. 1 and 2) in which the target thrower is set up and read to throw a target, and in a stowed or collapsed configuration (FIGS. 3 and 4) in which the target thrower is collapsed for easy transport and storage. In the operational configuration, the legs 18A-C of the base 14 are in their respective deployed positions, the head 16 is in one of its operational positions, the safety guard 182 is in its operational configuration, the hopper 46 is attached to the head, the tensioner 64 is in its tensioning position, and one of the power sources is attached to the power connector 140. In the stowed configuration, the legs 18A-C of the base 14 are in their respective stowed positions, the head 16 is in its stowed position, the safety guard 182 is in its stowed configuration, the hopper 46 is disconnected from the head (and may be separately stored), and the tensioner 64 is in its non-tensioning position. One power source may remain connected to the power connector 140 or all of the power sources can be disconnected from the power connector 140 in the target thrower's 10 stowed configuration. The lower housing 17B of the head 16 does not extend along either side of the throwing spring 50 (does not enclose the throwing spring), thereby allowing the legs 18A, 18B of the base 14 to extend alongside the throwing spring (e.g., allowing the throwing spring to be disposed in the space between the second segments 19B) when in the stowed configuration. This results in a more compact arrangement. The target thrower 10 is arranged in the operational and stowed configuration by moving the components of the target thrower as described herein. As is readily apparent, in the stowed configuration, the target thrower 10 is more compact than when in the operational configuration.

Referring to FIG. 31, one embodiment of a control system of the target thrower 10 is generally indicated by reference numeral 200. The control system 200 includes a controller 202 (broadly, a computer) for controlling the operation of the target thrower 10. The controller 202 controls and operates the components (e.g., motor 52) of the target thrower 10. The controller 202 has control circuitry which includes a CPU or processor 204 (e.g., a target thrower processor) and RAM or memory 206 (broadly, non-transitory computer readable storage medium). Broadly, the memory 206 includes (e.g., stores) processor-executable instructions for controlling the operation of the target thrower 10 and the components thereof. The instructions embody one or more of the functional aspects of the target thrower 10 and the components thereof (as described herein), with the processor 202 executing the instructions to perform said one or more functional aspects. The components of the target thrower 10 may be in wired or wireless communication with the controller 202. Other configurations of the control system 200 may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The controller 202 controls and operates the electric motor 52. In one embodiment, the controller 202 operates the electric motor 52 using pulse width modulation (PWM). This allows the controller 202 to operate the electric motor 52 at constant speeds regardless of the voltage being received from the power source (e.g., applied motor voltage). Batteries, especially small, portable lithium-ion batteries used with the present disclosure, lose voltage over time as the charge in the battery is depleted during use. Using PWM, the controller 202 can regulate the voltage to the motor 52 to ensure the generally the same voltage is being constantly applied during operation to compensate for any loss in voltage as the battery charge is depleted. The controller 202 may also allow a variety of different voltage batteries (broadly, power sources) to be coupled to the target thrower 10. The controller 202 may include a voltage regulator that regulates the voltage received from the power connector 140 so that the correct voltage is applied to the motor 52, regardless of the voltage being applied by the power source. This enables the target thrower 10 to have a single voltage motor, such as a 12 volt motor, while allowing the target thrower to be powered by power sources of varying voltages.

The control system 202 includes a user interface 208, such as buttons, switches, dials, knobs, etc., for receiving user inputs. In the illustrated embodiment, the user interface 208 is on the head 16 of the target thrower 10 and includes a power switch 210 and a disarm or motor reverse button 212 (FIG. 21). The power switch 210 turns the target thrower 10 on and off. In the illustrated embodiment, the power switch 210 comprises a covered power switch. The user interface 208 may also include a power on indicator 214, such as an LED light that is illuminated when the target thrower is on. The controller 202 also controls which drive direction (e.g., the first drive direction or the second drive direction) the motor 52 operates. Generally, the controller 202 always operates the motor 52 in the first drive direction to throw a target. However, when the user presses (e.g., actuates) the disarm button 212, the controller 202 operates the motor 52 in the second or reverse drive direction to move the throwing arm 48 to the non-cocked position, as described herein, to disarm the target thrower 10 (e.g., put the least amount of tension on the throwing spring). The controller 202 may stop operating the motor 52 in the second drive direction when the user releases the disarm button 212 and/or may automatically stop operating the motor in the second drive direction when the throwing arm 48 reaches the non-cocked position. For example, the controller 202 may turn off the motor 52 after a preset period of time of operating in the second drive direction, such as 5 seconds. The user presses the disarm button 212 to position the throwing arm 48 in the non-cocked position when wanting to de-tension or re-tension the throwing spring 50 using the tensioner 64, as described herein, such as when arranging the target thrower 10 between its stowed and operational configurations.

The control system 200 includes one or more communication interfaces 216, for communicating with remote devices. The one or more communication interfaces 216 may be a wired communication interface, a wireless communication interface, or a combination thereof. For example, the wired communication interface may be a port, such as a USB port, that connects to a cable. In another example, the wireless communication interface may be a wireless receiver or wireless transceiver. The wireless communication interface may communicate via one or more of Wi-Fi, radio, Bluetooth, etc. Other types of wireless communication may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the control system 200 includes a remote control or trigger 218, such as a foot pedal, hand-held remote, or any other suitable device. The remote control 218 is used by the user to tell the target thrower 10 (e.g., controller 202) to go through a throwing cycle to throw a target. The remote control 218 communicates with the controller 202 via the communication interface 216. In one embodiment, the remote control 218 includes a fire button or switch the user presses to tell the target thrower 10 to throw a target. The fire button may be hand operated (e.g., a finger button or switch) or foot operated (e.g., a pedal). Alternatively or in addition, the remote control 218 may include a microphone to receive voice commands from the user, such as the word “fire” or “pull,”, to tell the target thrower 10 to throw a target. After receiving the user input, the remote control 218 sends a signal (either wired or wireless) to the controller 202, via the communication interface 216), and the controller 202 operates the motor 52 to throw a target in response to receiving the signal (e.g., a fire or throw signal). Other configurations of the remote control 218 may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In one embodiment, the one or more communication interfaces 216 may also communicate with other types of remote devices (remote control), such as a smart phone or tablet. For example, a user may connect a smart phone to target thrower 10 via the communication interface 216 to control the target thrower 10. For example, the user can use the smart phone to throw a target by using the user interface of the smart phone. For example, the user can use the microphone of the smart phone (in the same manner as the microphone of the remote control 218 described above) and/or can press a button (physical button or electronic button represented on the touch sensitive display) to send the fire signal to the controller 202 to throw the target.

In the illustrated embodiment, the operation of the motor 52 is tied (e.g., tied directly) to the feed door 118 (broadly, the target feeder 116). In this case, the motor 52 stops rotating the throwing arm 48 and holds the throwing arm in the cocked position based on the position of the feed door 118. The control system 200 includes a switch 220 (broadly, feed door position sensor) arranged to be engaged by the feed door 118 (FIGS. 18 and 20). The feed door 118 (broadly, the target feeder 116) includes a switch actuator 117 (FIG. 18) that actuates the switch 220. The illustrated switch actuator 117 comprises a tab or flange of the feed door 118 at the rear (or radially outward end) of the feed door 118. In the illustrated embodiment, the switch actuator 117 actuates the switch 220 by closing the switch. The switch 220 is arranged to be actuated when the throwing arm 48 is at or near the cocked position and the feed door 118 is at or near the release position. The switch 220 and feed door 118 may be arranged such that the switch is actuated and the motor 52 stops operating before a target is dispensed to the throwing arm, simultaneously with the dispensing of the target, or before the target is dispensed. Desirably, the switch 220 and feed door 118 are arranged such that a target is dispensed before the throwing arm 48 is stopped by the motor 52 in the cocked position. It has been found that this timing results in more consistent performance of the target thrower 10, perhaps as a result of giving the target more time to settle on the throwing arm 48 after falling down and come into contact with the engagement surface 108 of the throwing arm (via the brush 142). When the switch 220 is closed, the controller 202 stops the motor 52 (which was operating in the first drive direction to move the throwing arm 48 to the cocked position), thereby holding the throwing arm 48 in the cocked position. This allows movement of the throwing arm 48 to be more closely tied to the target dispensing, such as to ensure the throwing arm is stopped after a target is dispensed, which results in more consistent positioning of the target on the throwing arm. Other configurations of the switch may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in other embodiments, actuation of the switch open may be used to control the motor.

Referring to FIGS. 18 and 20, in the illustrated embodiment, the target thrower 10 includes a printed circuit board (PCB) 222. Desirably, several components of the control system 200 are mounted on the PCB 222, such as the controller 202 and communication interface(s) 216. Desirably, the switch 220 is mounted on the PCB, which eliminates the need to run separate wiring from the switch to the controller 202. The PCB 222 (and thereby the controller 202, communication interface(s) 216, switch 220, etc.) are supported by the frame 12, specifically, the head 16. In particular, the PCB 222 is housed or contained within the frame 12, specifically, the head 16 (e.g., upper housing 17A thereof).

In operation, before a throwing cycle starts, the throwing arm 48 is in the cocked position with a target thereon. When the remote control 218 is actuated, the remote control sends the fire signal to the controller 202. The controller 202 then operates the motor 52 (in the first drive direction), which rotates the throwing arm 48 from the cocked position about the pivot axis A moving the throwing spring 50 over-center. The cocked position is near the over-center position such that the motor 52 does not need to rotate the throwing arm 48 much. After the throwing spring 50 moves over-center, the throwing spring takes over and rotates the throwing arm 48 to throw the target. The one-way bearing 56 operatively disposed between the motor 52 and shaft 54 permits the throwing arm 48 to rotate in the throwing or first direction D relative to a remainder of the drive train. During this movement of the throwing arm 48, the feed door 118 disengages the switch 220. After the throwing arm 48 throws the target, the throwing arm reaches the thrown position. Desirably, the motor 52 has continued to run while the throwing arm 48 was throwing the target and is now moving the throwing arm back toward the cocked position. The point at which the throwing arm 48 stops rotating in the first direction due to the throwing spring 50 and instead rotates in the first direction due to the motor (e.g., the throwing arm rotates at the same speed as the shaft 54) may be considered the thrown position. As the motor 52 rotates the throwing arm 48 toward the cocked position, the target feeder 116 dispenses a target to the throwing arm and the switch 220 is actuated (e.g., closed). When the switch 220 is actuated, the controller 220 stops the motor 52, thereby positioning the throwing arm 48 in the cocked position. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the throwing arm 48 will not stop rotating until reaching the cocked position again. The process can then be repeated to throw the next target. Desirably, the controller 220 is configured to not stop the motor 52 (when the motor is running) when the switch 220 opens, such as during the throwing cycle. Desirably, the controller 220 is configured to not start the motor 52 (when the motor is stopped) after the switch 220 is opened, which may happen depending on the position of the feed door 118 relative to the switch when the motor stops and holds the throwing arm 48 in the cocked position. Desirably, the only way for the controller 202 to start the motor 52 to move the throwing arm from the cocked position is by receiving user input, such as by pressing the disarm button 212 or by activating the remote control 218.

In one mode of operation (e.g., single fire mode), a single target is thrown when the remote control 218 is actuated (e.g., a single press of a button or pedal). In another mode of operation (e.g., repeated fire mode), holding a button or pedal down of the remote control 218 continuously results in targets being thrown repeatedly (e.g., every few seconds). In this mode of operation, the motor 52 may run continuously and not be stopped by the controller 202 when the switch 220 is actuated.

Desirably, when in the single fire mode, the controller 202 is configured (e.g., programmed) to stop operating the motor 52 in case the switch 220 has failed. For example, the controller 202 may be configured to operate the motor 52 in the first drive direction for a set period of time (e.g., a motor runtime), and stop the motor when the set period of time has been reached. The motor runtime is greater than the amount of time it takes the throwing arm 48 to perform a throwing cycle. For example, if it takes the throwing arm three (3) seconds to rotate back to the cocked position after leaving the cocked position to throw a target (e.g., after the motor 52 has started running), the motor runtime may be five (5) seconds. The controller 202 is configured to start a timer (e.g., count-up timer) when the controller starts the motor 52. The controller 202 ends the timer when the switch 220 is pressed (e.g., when the controller receives a signal from the switch). Accordingly, during normal operation in the single fire mode, the controller 202 will not stop the motor 52 due to exceeding the motor runtime because the switch 220 was pressed first. However, if the switch 220 fails, the timer will meet and then exceed the motor runtime (because the controller 202 did not receive a signal from the switch 220), at which point the controller 202 stops the motor 52. The controller 202 will not stop the motor 52 when the timer reaches the motor runtime during the repeated fire mode or the length of the motor runtime may be significantly increased, such as by an amount to have 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, etc. targets thrown.

In one embodiment, the controller 202 is configured to monitor the voltage from the power connector 140 (broadly, power source). This allows the controller 202 to ensure that the power source is providing enough voltage to operate the target thrower 10 (e.g., the motor 52). For example, batteries, such as battery 152, generally lose voltage as the battery is drained. In one embodiment, the controller 202 is configured to prevent operation of the motor 52 if the voltage from the power connector 140 drops below a predetermined voltage amount. The controller 202 may continuously monitor the voltage level coming from the power source and prevent further operation of the motor 52 if the monitored voltage is less than the predetermined voltage amount. For example, for a 12 volt motor 52, the predetermined voltage amount may be about 8 volts. In the case when the power source is a battery, this monitoring of the applied or delivered voltage prevents the target thrower 10 from operating if the battery is depleted to a level that is insufficient to complete a throwing cycle (e.g., run the motor a sufficient amount of time to return the throwing arm 48 to the cocked position). In this case, the throwing arm 48 would try to move the throwing arm 48 around but that battery would run out of power and the motor 52 would stop partially through the throwing cycle. As a result, the throwing arm 48 would be stuck in the thrown position or between the thrown position and cocked position. This may confuse the user and the user may dangerously interact with the target thrower 10 (e.g., try to manually rotate the throwing arm 48, which has tension on it due to the throwing spring 50). By monitoring the applied voltage, the controller 202 can prevent this situation from occurring. Monitoring of the applied voltage also helps prevent the battery from being discharged below a safe level. Batteries, such a lithium-ion batteries and lead acid batteries, can be damaged if their charge is discharged below a certain voltage.

It is appreciated that the person of ordinary skill in the art is readily able to determine the scope of terms of degree such as, but not limited to, “about,” “substantially,” and “generally.” For example, when a term of degree is used in relation to a numeric value, the person of ordinary skill in the art understands that the term of degree covers an inclusive range of plus or minus 10% of the numeric value, unless clearly indicated or stated otherwise.

When introducing elements of the present invention or the embodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

Modifications and variations of the disclosed embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims. For example, where specific dimensions are given, it will be understood that they are exemplary only and other dimensions are possible. As various changes could be made in the above constructions, products, and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

1. A shooting target thrower for throwing a shooting target, the shooting target thrower comprising: a frame;a throwing arm supported by the frame and rotatable about a throwing axis, the throwing arm rotatable from a cocked position, the throwing arm configured to throw the shooting target as the throwing arm rotates about the throwing axis from the cocked position;a throwing spring operatively coupled to the throwing arm, the throwing spring arranged to rotate the throwing arm about the throwing axis to throw the shooting target;an electric motor operatively coupled to the throwing arm, the electric motor configured to rotate the throwing arm about the throwing axis toward the cocked position;a power connector supported by the frame;a first power source having a first power source connector, the first power source connector being releasably connectable to the power connector to deliver electrical power for the electric motor; anda second power source having a second power source connector, the second power source connector being releasably connectable to the power connector to deliver electrical power for the electric motor;the first and second power sources being interchangeably connectable to the power connector for delivering electrical power for the electric motor.

2. The shooting target thrower of claim 1, wherein the first power source comprises a battery.

3. The shooting target thrower of claim 2, wherein the battery comprises a lithium-ion battery.

4. The shooting target thrower of claim 2, wherein the first power source is configured to be entirely carried by the frame when the first power source connector is coupled to the power connector.

5. The shooting target thrower of claim 2, wherein the second power source includes a pair of battery clips configured to clip onto terminals of an external battery.

6. The shooting target thrower of claim 2, wherein the second power source includes a plug configured to be plugged into an electrical outlet.

7. The shooting target thrower of claim 6, wherein the second power source includes a power converter configured to convert AC power from the wall receptacle into DC power for the electric motor.

8. The shooting target thrower of claim 6, further comprising a third power source, the third power source having a third power source connector and a pair of battery clips configured to clip onto terminals of an external battery, the third power source connector being releasably connectable to the power connector to deliver electrical power for the electric motor, the first, second, and third power sources being interchangeable with one another for delivering electrical power for the electric motor.

9. The shooting target thrower of claim 1, wherein the power connector and the first power source connector are configured to form an electrical and mechanical connection when the first power source connector is connected to the power connector, and wherein the power connector and the second power source connector are configured to form an electrical and mechanical connection when the second power source connector is connected to the power connector.

10. The shooting target thrower of claim 9, wherein the power connector includes a first electrical terminal and a first mechanical coupler, the first power source connector includes a second electrical terminal and a second mechanical coupler, and the second power source includes a third electrical terminal and third mechanical coupler; wherein the first and second electrical terminals are configured to electrically connect to one another when the first power source connector is connected to the power connector, and the first and second mechanical couplers are configured to mechanically connect to one another when the first power source connector is connected to the power connector;wherein the first and third electrical terminals are configured to electrically connect to one another when the second power source connector is connected to the power connector, and the first and third mechanical couplers are configured to mechanically connect to one another when the second power source connector is connected to the power connector.

11. The shooting target thrower of claim 1, further comprising a controller supported by the frame, the controller configured to monitor voltage from the power connector and to prevent operation of the electric motor if the voltage from the power connector drops below a predetermined voltage amount.

12. The shooting target thrower of claim 11, wherein the controller is housed within the frame.

13. A shooting target thrower for throwing a shooting target, the shooting target thrower comprising: a frame;a throwing arm supported by the frame and rotatable about a throwing axis, the throwing arm rotatable from a cocked position, the throwing arm configured to throw the shooting target as the throwing arm rotates about the throwing axis from the cocked position;a throwing spring operatively coupled to the throwing arm, the throwing spring arranged to rotate the throwing arm about the throwing axis to throw the shooting target;an electric motor operatively coupled to the throwing arm, the electric motor configured to rotate the throwing arm about the throwing axis toward the cocked position;a power connector supported by the frame; anda first power source having a first power source connector and a plug configured to be plugged to an electrical outlet, the first power source connector being releasably connectable to the power connector to deliver electrical power for the electric motor.

14. The shooting target thrower of claim 13, wherein the first power source includes a power converter configured to convert AC power from the electrical outlet into DC power for the electric motor.

15. The shooting target thrower of claim 14, wherein the power converter is configured to convert 110 volt AC to 12 volt DC.

16. The shooting target thrower of claim 13, further comprising a second power source having a second power source connector, the second power source connector being releasably connectable to the power connector to deliver electrical power for the electric motor, the first and second power sources being interchangeable with one another for delivering electrical power for the electric motor.

17. The shooting target thrower of claim 16, wherein the second power source includes a pair of battery clips configured to clip onto terminals of an external battery.

18. The shooting target thrower of claim 13, further comprising a controller supported by the frame, the controller configured to monitor voltage from the power connector and to prevent operation of the electric motor if the voltage from the power connector drops below a predetermined voltage amount.

19. The shooting target thrower of claim 18, wherein the controller is housed within the frame.